E.H. Simmons Runs Marathon

Edward Herbert Simmons, “Herb” to most of his friends and family of Monticello recently completed his first marathon in Sacramento, Ca.

Senior Pastor Joseph Sissac of Center of Praise Church, where Herb is a member, challenged church members to participate in an upcoming marathon to help raise funds for two programs supported by the church. The programs are Mentoring 2 Manhood and a nutrition program for students at Peter Burnett Elementary School.

The California International Marathon (CIM) is a 26.2 mile road race in northern California which begins at an elevation of 366 feet and finishes at an elevation of 26 ft. There were 9,000 marathoners from 34 different countries that participated. This race is popular among runners qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials and the Boston Marathon.

Herb ran with his team from Center of Praise—Team Run The Light. He completed the race in six hours and 26 minutes. Most significantly, he raised $10,595 from friends, family, co-workers, and church members. He trained very hard over the last few months and was encouraged by the outpouring of support which gave him the strength to complete the race successfully.

Herb and his wife, Thelma, live in Sacramento, Ca.  He graduated from Monticello High School and is the son of Mrs. Opal Simmons.